In 2008, Mr Healy was awarded an MBE for services to football and the community - the same year he scored 13 goals in the qualifying competition for the 2008 European Championship - the highest total in the competition's history.

Mr Healy from Killyleagh, County Down, came through Manchester United's youth system, has also played for Leeds United, Fulham, Sunderland and Rangers.

District Judge Ken Nixon said the case would be listed again in two weeks time.